I convert the yoga DVD to MP4 and then I'm using smart converter to convert MP4 format to AVI. TV says its not a supported format. So it accepts some AVI files and not others... ??So I then also downloaded a copy of the DVD I was trying to play in AVI format that didn't work either.

I'm wondering if there is some kind of protection thing that stops DVD converted to AVI's playing? to stop DVD ripping? Its my DVD, I bought it and I want to store it in a format I choose :( but I can download an episode of some show thats just aired and that plays fine... there's a moral about rapid technology advancement here...

AVI and MP4 are just containers. They can hold a number of media streams-- usually 1 video stream and 1 stereo audio stream. Those streams can be encoded in different ways, called "codecs". Codecs include MP2 (on DVDs, which are also containers for media streams), H.264, DivX, and some others. So when the TV says it can play AVI files, it can interpret AVI files and play back some potential stream types contained in those files, but apparently not ALL media stream types.

There IS a type of copy protection to stop ripped DVDs from playing.

You might see if you can use Handbrake ( http://handbrake.fr/ ) to convert to something that WILL play.

Downloaded TV shows are usually encoded with DivX or Mpeg 4.

But yeah, a cable to go from your laptop to your TV might be less trouble.

Now the cable issue... is a good idea but I have a 2009 Macbook which doesn't support audio output via the DVI thing so I bought one with a UBS output for sound and it worked fine for a few months and then died. Apparently that happens a lot and its a rubbish product and its the only one on the market at the moment :(

So I guess short of changing my laptop or TV, I just keep trying different converters to see if they have the right codexs? :(

the way I hook up my laptop is with a dvi cable and an audio cable that just goes into the headphone jack on my computer. I should have mentioned that if it's not HDMI you'd need two cables, but it's easy because you can leave them hooked up to your tv and just plug them into your computer when you need them.

alternatively, you can buy dvd players super cheap and that would save you a lot of time.

_________________I am not a troll. I am TELLING YOU THE ******GOD'S TRUTH****** AND YOU JUST DON'T WANT THE HEAR IT DO YOU?

I've ordered a mini display to HDMI and a mini jack to RCA output thing... (I checked the plugs on the back of the TV and seems correct) and I already have a HDMI cable. So I will let you know how that works, thanks :) :)